Green beans, also called snap beans, string beans or french beans, are a staple in many kitchens across the world. They’re a beloved side dish at family potlucks, holiday meals, and nightly dinners.
Whether you blanch them, sauté them, or eat them straight from a can, green beans are a nutritious addition to your diet.
One of the oldest cultivated vegetables, green beans have many varieties you could pick from – They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, also a good source of folic acid and heart protective calcium and fiber.
Here are some of the health benefits of green beans:
1. Green beans for energy
Green beans contains about twice the amount of iron as compared to spinach. Iron is a component of red blood cells which is essential to transport oxygen from the lungs to cells throughout the body. If you are struggling with anemia, dripping energies or low metabolism – then green beans is the magical food you need.
2. Green beans are great for skin, hair and nails
This nutritional powerhouse can do wonders for your skin, hair and nails. Green beans are loaded with an easily absorbed type of silicon, which are important for the formation of healthy connective tissues and strengthening nails and boosting skin health.
3. Bone health
Green beans are abundant in Vitamin K, which activates osteocalcin which is the main non-collagen protein found in bones. This compound locks calcium molecules together inside bone, strengthening them from within.
4. Digestion
Green beans are a high fibre food, which has a positive impact on your digestive system. Whether you have a digestive disorder or not, consuming high-fibre foods on a regular basis is a good way to keep your system running healthily. They can help in the treatment of haemorrhoids, constipation, and diverticulosis. Some research suggests they can reduce your risk of developing colon cancer too.
5. Detox effects
Green beans with its strong diuretic properties can serve as a great detox and help rid your body from unwanted toxins.
6. Boosts heart health
Green beans pack abundant amounts of calcium and heart protective flavonoids. Flavonoids are polyphenolic antioxidants that are commonly found in fruits and vegetables. The high amounts of flavonoids have immense anti-inflammatory properties, which regulate thrombotic activity in the cells and prevent blot clots in the arteries.
7. Good for eyesight
Rich in carotenoids, green beans could play an effective role in preventing macular degeneration (a condition that causes decrease in vision and eye function). They are also rich in lutein and Zeaxanthin which help maintain good eyesight and night vision.
